Report: Grizzlies finalizing deal to make Bickerstaff new head coach

J.B. Bickerstaff is ready to shed his "interim" tag once and for all.

The Memphis Grizzlies are currently working on the framework of a multi-year deal to make Bickerstaff the new head coach, league sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.

Bickerstaff was promoted to interim coach back in November following David Fizdale's dismissal. Memphis opened the 2017-18 season with a 7-12 record, along with an eight-game losing streak, resulting in Fizdale's termination.

This marks Bickerstaff's first full head coaching gig in the Association. He also served as an interim head coach with the Houston Rockets in 2015-16 on the heels of Kevin McHale's firing, guiding the team to a 37-34 record with him at the helm.

Bickerstaff has also been employed by both the Charlotte Bobcats (Hornets) and Minnesota Timberwolves as an assistant in the past.

Memphis ended the 2017-18 campaign with the second-worst record in the league at 22-60, missing out on the playoffs for the first time since 2010. It was also the franchise's lowest winning percentage (.268) since 2008.